Real Madrid will aim to stretch their winning run to four consecutive matches across all competitions when they face Real Sociedad at San Sebastian tonight.
Los Blancos have been a dominant force in Europe this season as they have lost only once in their LaLiga campaign and progressed to the semi-finals of the Champions League after a resilient defensive showing against Manchester City at the Etihad. 25 wins in the league have put them 11 points clear of second-placed Barcelona while scoring the highest (70) goals and conceding the least (22) till now this season.
It has been an incredible last few days for Real Madrid as they defeated defending champions Man City on penalties to set up a Champions League semi-final clash with Bayern Munich. They added to their joy by following up with a thrilling 3-2 victory over eternal rivals Barcelona in a fiery El Clasico. The Blaugrana took the lead twice during the match through goals from Andreas Christensen and Fermin Lopez but Vinicius Junior and Lucas Vasquez equalised the scores. It was super signing Jude Bellingham who settled the game in Real’s favour by scoring from a tight angle in added time to send the home crowd in jubilation.
Carlo Ancelotti’s men bring a 17-game unbeaten run to this match and they will aim to edge out a win without stressing themselves too much.
Meanwhile, Real Sociedad will aim to hold onto their league position as they are fighting to secure a Europa League spot for next season. The Basques finished fourth last campaign but they are not expected to qualify for the Champions League as they are 10 points behind 4th-placed Atletico Madrid.
Imanol Alguacil’s side are three points clear of chasing pack Real Betis and they will be made to fight tooth and nail for every match until the season ends to finish in that Europa League spot. Sociedad have drawn each of their last two league outings, against Almeria and Getafe but they have secured wins over Cadiz, Granada and Alaves.
Real Sociedad enjoyed a 2-0 victory last season in the corresponding fixture last year at home and that should enable them to put up a spirited contest against Real Madrid.
Results from their last five matches across all competitions
Real Sociedad:
D D W W W
Real Madrid:
W W W D W
Team News
Carlo Ancelotti is set to rotate his side after virtually securing the LaLiga title with a win in the last match. Arda Guler could be given his first start of the season while Eder Militao too could get a start after an excellent showing against City.
Ferland Mendy will be absent due to muscular discomfort. Fran Garcia should start the game. Joselu remains in contention to replace Rodrygo upfront but a 4-3-3 formation could see both players featuring.
As for Real Sociedad, they will be without the services of Hamari Traore and Brais Mendez. Martin Zubimendi and Igor Zubeldia have fully recovered from their injuries and are in contention to start.
Alvaro Odriozola could feature against his old side tonight.
Predicted XIs
Real Sociedad: Remiro; Odriozola, Le Normand, Zubeldia, Galan; Benat, Zubimendi, Merino; Kubo, Oyarzabal, Barrenetxea
Real Madrid: Lunin; Carvajal, Militao, Nacho, F Garcia; Modric, Tchouameni, Camavinga; Diaz; Vinicius, Joselu.
